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Update on restricted and closed job categories  

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Update on restricted and closed job categories  

Bermuda Government update via press release:

Effective June 1st, 2025, the Ministry of Economy and Labour advises the public that the moratorium on new work permits issued for the following Closed job categories is extended for three months, ending August 31st, 2025.

The following list of Closed job categories is unchanged from the prior three-month period ending May 31st, 2025:

1.            Administrative Assistant

2.            Airline Ground Agent

3.            Bank Teller

4.            Carpet Installer

5.            Cashier

6.            Childcare Assistant

7.            Courier

8.            Customer Care/ Service Rep

9.           Debt Collector

10.         Deckhand

11.         Dispatcher Road Transport

12.         Entertainer/ Musician

13.         Executive Secretary/Assistant

14.         Fisherman

15.         General Bartender

16.         General Labourer

17.         Golf Instructors

18.         Grocery Packer

19.         Guest Service Agent

20.         Handyman

21.         HR Officer/ Manager

22.         Intern

23.         Laundry Attendant

24.         Legal Clerk

25.         Librarian

26.         Office Receptionist

27.         Painter

28.         Para-Professional

29.         Photographer

30.         Pool/Beach Attendant

31.         Public Relations Officer

32.         Real Estate Agent

33.         Retail Floor Supervisor

34.         Room Attendant

35.         Salesperson

36.         Seasonal Work Permits

37.         Security Guard

38.         Senior Clerk

39.         Taxi Driver

40.         Teaching Aide

41.         Technician salesperson

42.         Telephone Switchboard Operator

43.         Tourist Retail Salesperson

44.         Travel Agent/ Consultant

45.         Wallpaper Technician

46.         Warehouse Clerk

The following list of restricted job categories included under the Work Permit Policy is unchanged from the prior three-month period ending May 31st, 2025:

1.            Dish/ Pot Washer

2.            Electrician

3.            General Carpenter

4.            Kitchen Assistant

5.            Kitchen Porter

6.            Landscape Gardener (Entry Level)

7.            Plumber

8.            Residential/ Commercial Cleaner

9.         Tennis instructor

10.         Waiter/ Server

According to the Work Permit Policy, Section 3.7, the application process for jobs in the Restricted job categories is the same as that for the Open category, except the employer must:

  1. Apply for a maximum term of one (1) year; and
  2. Submit evidence that any candidates screened and recommended by the Department of Workforce Development (“DWD”) have been appropriately considered. DWD is expected to respond to enquiries by employers within ten (10) working days. Should no response be forthcoming from DWD, the employer may submit the application with written evidence that they made enquiries.

The partner of a Bermudian, Permanent Resident Certificate holder, non-Bermudian on a work permit, or other legal residents of Bermuda who have already received permission to reside may now apply to seek employment. Partners who do not have permission to reside may apply to reside and seek employment. Further details on Partner-Genuine and Subsisting Relationships are available online at gov.bm.

The Ministry of Economy and Labour’s main aim is always to ensure the effective use of policies that create job opportunities for Bermudians. Closed and Restricted job categories encourage companies to consider and develop Bermudians in the workforce. As the employment landscape in Bermuda continues to shift, policy amendments will reflect the changes in demand.

Individuals looking to increase their skillsets and employability are always encouraged to register with the Department of Workforce Development at dwd@gov.bm and explore more options for further education through Bermuda College at www.college.bm.

Somerset’s story in paint and film

Alisa Bernardo
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Somerset’s story in paint and film

New documentary explores community history and shared memories through public art project

What does a bus stop mean to you?

It’s a question a group of filmmakers set out to explore in a new documentary premiering this weekend, centred around a mural that captures the spirit of Somerset – highlighting local businesses past and present that have shaped the west-end community.

Alisa Bernardo spoke to Barbara Dillas freelance artist and co-producer of ‘Bus Stop Mural: Legacy of Somerset’ earlier today about the project. You can watch the full report above.

Firearms seized by police in Pembroke

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Firearms seized by police in Pembroke

A 23-year old male has been arrested in connection with the seizure

Update via the Bermuda Police Service:

Around 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 5, 2025, police executed a warrant at a Pembroke residence, as part of an ongoing investigation.

During the operation, officers recovered a firearm and ammunition.

A 23-year-old male occupant was arrested in connection with the seizure.

No further information on this matter will be provided at this time.

Detective Chief Inspector Derricka Burns who is in charge of the Serious Crime Unit, spoke about this significant development,

“This is the second firearm taken off the streets in recent weeks. These seizures highlight our continued efforts to prevent illegal firearms from endangering our communities. These weapons pose a serious risk to public safety and are often linked to serious crimes.” 

“Every firearm recovered is a step toward a safer Bermuda. The seizure of these weapons has likely disrupted potential criminal activity and further acts of violence.”

“Our efforts are strengthened by the continued cooperation of the public, whose support is vital in the fight against all criminal activity.”

The investigation remains ongoing.

BTA says Tracy Berkeley has resigned

Jasmine Patterson
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BTA says Tracy Berkeley has resigned

CEO had been suspended in March after an internal culture review

Tracy Berkeley has resigned as CEO of the Bermuda Tourism Authority, it was announced today.

Confirming the news, the BTA board said: “Ms Berkeley joined the organisation in 2020 and played a key leadership role in navigating the challenges of the pandemic and helping to guide the BTA through the post-pandemic recovery phase.”

The Board added: “We are thankful for the contributions she made during her time with the BTA and wish her success in her future endeavours.”

Ms. Berkeley, an HR professional, was suspended in March this year after a culture review of the BTA, initiated by its Board, was released to the public.

The new BTA board is composed of Acting Chair William “Billy” Griffith, Shiona Turini, MP Kim Swan, Ronald Simmons and Dennie O’Connor.

The reasons for Ms Berkeley’s departure were not stated.

The board said: “As this is a personnel matter, we will not be providing further comment.

“… The Board of Directors remains committed to fostering a positive and collaborative internal environment, while refocusing the BTA’s core mission on driving tourism growth and promoting Bermuda as a premier travel destination.”

The Board confirmed last week that Former VP of Experiences, Tashae Thompson, parted ways with the BTA.

Thriller and stalemate in Bermuda Inline Ball Hockey League

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Thriller and stalemate in Bermuda Inline Ball Hockey League

Ball Hockey at PCC

The Bermuda Inline Ball Hockey Summer League season continued last night with a double header at the PCC Hockey Rink, delivering a mixed bag of results: a rare scoreless draw and a thrilling goal-fest.

In the opening match, spectators witnessed a truly unique sight in ball hockey as the Long Island Ducks and Hyannisport Presidents battled to a 0-0 draw. Neither team could break the deadlock in regulation time or overtime, resulting in a tight defensive stalemate.

The second game of the night, however, was a complete contrast, producing a stunning 25 goals! The Charlestown Chiefs narrowly edged out the Broome County Blades in a thrilling 13-12 victory.

Matthew Benson was the prolific leader for the Chiefs, scoring 5 goals to guide his team to the win. For the Blades, Brett Sheriffs netted 4, while Ryan Wilson and Josh Wilson both contributed hat-tricks in a high-octane encounter that ultimately went to the Chiefs.

This latest round of the Bermuda Inline Ball Hockey Summer League provided plenty of drama, from defensive masterclasses to end-to-end goal-scoring spectacles.

Bermuda sends strong squad to ECVA U21 Beach Volleyball Championships

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Bermuda sends strong squad to ECVA U21 Beach Volleyball Championships

St Kitts and Nevis Beach Volleyball Tournament

The Bermuda Volleyball Association (BVA) has officially announced its participation in the 2025 Eastern Caribbean Volleyball Association (ECVA) Under 21 Beach Volleyball Championships, set to take place from June 6th to June 8th in Saint Kitts & Nevis.

This prestigious regional event offers a significant pathway for young talent, with the top three teams in both the men’s and women’s divisions earning qualification to the NORCECA World Championship Qualifier Tournament in the Dominican Republic later this July.

Bermuda will be competing against national teams from across the Eastern Caribbean, including Grenada, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Saint Lucia, Dominica, Antigua, St Eustatius, Anguilla, British Virgin Islands, and the host nation, Saint Kitts and Nevis.

The Bermuda Men’s Beach Volleyball team features the promising duo of 18-year-old Anijhaé Dos Santo Martin and 19-year-old Kyle Mello. On the women’s side, the pairing of 19-year-old Hailey Moss and 20-year-old Kayley Hamilton will represent the island.

The Bermudian pairings will be looking to build on recent successes in Bermuda Beach Volleyball, which include a bronze medal at this very event last year, as well as the recent silver medals earned at the 2025 Senior Championships earlier this year. Their primary goal is to qualify for the NORCECA Under 21 World Championship Qualifier in July 2025.

Accompanying the teams are dedicated BVA coaches Benjamin Barnett and Sean Tucker, who will also be pursuing their FIVB Level 1 Beach Volleyball coaching certification during the event, enhancing Bermuda’s coaching expertise.

BVA Co-President Brandon Sousa expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “We are incredibly excited… Building on our recent success on the international beach volleyball stage, our teams have been training rigorously and are eager to compete… Our ultimate goal at this event is to qualify for the NORCECA U21 Beach Volleyball World Championship Qualifier… and we are fully confident in our ability to achieve this.”

This integrated approach of a coaching course, athlete training camp, and the championship itself underscores the region’s commitment to elevating the standard and presence of beach volleyball in the Eastern Caribbean.

Bermuda Trios Finish 16th and 20th at CAC Bowling Championships

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Bermuda Trios Finish 16th and 20th at CAC Bowling Championships

Bowling

After a brief rest day, the Central American and Caribbean Bowling Confederation Championships resumed in the Dominican Republic, with the Bermuda squad hitting the lanes for the Trios competitions on Day Three.

Bermuda fielded two strong teams, both aiming to make their mark on the international stage. The trio of Michael Honore, Damien Matthews, and David Maycock put in a solid performance, finishing in a respectable 16th place overall. They accumulated a total of 3547 pins across their games, with their best combined effort an impressive 638 pins in their third game.

The other Bermudian trio, made up of Blake Raynor, Jamel Bean, and Dayvon Tucker, also battled hard throughout the day. They finished in 20th place overall with a total of 3426 pins, their strongest game being a 610 in the second.

These results indicate a consistent level of performance from Bermuda’s bowlers in the team format. The experience gained by both trios against some of the best bowlers in the region will undoubtedly be invaluable as the championships continue into the latter stages.

Spartans Maintain Unbeaten Run – Hurricanes Surge in Bermuda Smash Invitational

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Spartans Maintain Unbeaten Run – Hurricanes Surge in Bermuda Smash Invitational

Cricket

Day Three of the Bermuda Smash Invitational 2025 delivered another thrilling double-header at the National Sports Center North Field, with the Sandys Spartans continuing their dominant start.

The Sandys Spartans extended their impressive winning streak to three consecutive matches, maintaining their unbeaten record by defeating the Smith Sixers by 4 wickets. The Sixers had set a challenging target of 211 for 5, but the Spartans showcased their batting power, chasing down 217 for 6 in just 18.3 overs.

In the second match of the day, the Pembroke Panthers put up a respectable 150 for 7. However, this wasn’t enough to stop a surging Hamilton Parish Hurricanes squad. The Hurricanes displayed power hitting and composed finishing in their chase, reaching 152 for 6 in just 16.3 overs, sealing a convincing 4-wicket victory.

The results from Day Three indicate that the Bermuda Smash Invitational is intensifying, with teams finding their rhythm and delivering exciting T20 cricket. The Spartans remain the team to beat, while the Hurricanes’ chase highlights their growing threat in the tournament.

Minister the target of bogus TikTok account

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Minister the target of bogus TikTok account

Government says any content posted under this fraudulent account should be ignored

Image supplied

Press release:
The Ministry of Economy and Labour advises the public that a fraudulent TikTok account has been created using the name and image of the Minister of Economy and Labour, the Hon. Jason Hayward, JP, MP.
The account in question, located at https://www.tiktok.com/@mp.jasonhayward, is not authorised, endorsed, or operated by Minister Hayward or the Ministry. It was created to mislead the public by impersonating the Minister.
Minister Hayward does not have a TikTok account, and any content posted under this profile should be regarded as false and misleading.
Minister Hayward stated, “It is deeply concerning that someone would attempt to impersonate a public official to deceive others. I urge everyone to be vigilant and verify social media accounts’ authenticity before engaging with them.”
The public is reminded to rely only on official information and advisories from the Government of Bermuda’s official communication section, the Department of Communications.. 

Addiction treatment centre sees increased referrals of adolescents

Jasmine Patterson
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Addiction treatment centre sees increased referrals of adolescents

Pathways Bermuda, a Strategic Partner of Caron Treatment Centers, is a non-profit addiction treatment service for young people and adults.

More adolescent clients are being referred to Pathways, according to the addiction treatment centre.


Their Clinical Manager, Camily Lovell, sat down with us to discuss the trends their seeing this year but encourages parents that not every young person who experiments with substances will go on to develop a disorder.


She said strong familial relationships appear to offset the extent to which youngsters will take high risks with substances.

China’s rare earth weapon changes contours of trade war battlefield

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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China’s rare earth weapon changes contours of trade war battlefield

China’s 2020 Export Control Law broadened curbs to cover any items affecting national security

FILE PHOTO: Miners are seen at the Bayan Obo mine containing rare earth minerals, in Inner Mongolia, China July 16, 2011. Picture taken July 16, 2011.REUTERS/Stringer/File Photo

International news via Reuters:

China has signalled for more than 15 years that it was looking to weaponise areas of the global supply chain, a strategy modelled on longstanding American export controls Beijing views as aimed at stalling its rise.

The scramble in recent weeks to secure export licences for rare earths, capped by Thursday’s telephone call between U.S. and Chinese leaders Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, shows China has devised a better, more precisely targeted weapon for trade war.

Industry executives and analysts say while China is showing signs of approving more exports of the key elements, it will not dismantle its new system. 

Modelled on the United States’ own, Beijing’s export licence system gives it unprecedented insight into supplier chokepoints in areas ranging from motors for electric vehicles to flight-control systems for guided missiles.

“China originally took inspiration for these export control methods from the comprehensive U.S. sanctions regime,” said Zhu Junwei, a scholar at the Grandview Institution, a Beijing-based think tank focused on international relations.

“China has been trying to build its own export control systems since then, to be used as a last resort.”

After Thursday’s call, Trump said both leaders had been “straightening out some of the points, having to do mostly with rare earth magnets and some other things”. 

He did not say whether China committed to speeding up licences for exports of rare earth magnets, after Washington curbed exports of chip design software and jet engines to Beijing in response to its perceived slow-rolling on licences.

China holds a near-monopoly on rare earth magnets, a crucial component in EV motors.

In April it added some of the most sophisticated types to an export control list in its trade war with the United States, forcing all exporters to apply to Beijing for licences.

That put a once-obscure department of China’s commerce ministry, with a staff of about 60, in charge of a chokepoint for global manufacturing.

The ministry did not immediately respond to Reuters’ questions sent by fax.

Several European auto suppliers shut down production lines this week after running out of supplies. While China’s April curbs coincided with a broader package of retaliation against Washington’s tariffs, the measures apply globally. 

“Beijing has a degree of plausible deniability – no one can prove China is doing this on purpose,” said Noah Barkin, senior adviser at Rhodium Group, a China-focused U.S. thinktank.

“But the rate of approvals is a pretty clear signal that China is sending a message, exerting pressure to prevent trade negotiations with the U.S. leading to additional technology control.”

China mines about 70% of the world’s rare earths but has a virtual monopoly on refining and processing. 

Even if the pace of export approvals quickens as Trump suggested, the new system gives Beijing unprecedented glimpses of how companies in a supply chain deploy the rare earths it processes, European and U.S. executives have warned.

Other governments are denied that insight because of the complexity of supply chain operations.

For example, hundreds of Japanese suppliers are believed to need China to approve export licences for rare earth magnets in coming weeks to avert production disruptions, said a person who has lobbied on their behalf with Beijing.

“It’s sharpening China’s scalpel,” said a U.S.-based executive at a company seeking to piece together an alternative supply chain who sought anonymity.

“It’s not a way to oversee the export of magnets, but a way to gain influence and advantage over America.”

DECADES IN THE MAKING

Fears that China could weaponise its global supply chain strength first emerged after its temporary ban of rare earth exports to Japan in 2010, following a territorial dispute.

As early as 1992, former Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping was quoted as saying, “The Middle East has oil, China has rare earths.”

Beijing’s landmark 2020 Export Control Law broadened curbs to cover any items affecting national security, from critical goods and materials to technology and data. 

China has since built its own sanctions power while pouring the equivalent of billions of dollars into developing workarounds in response to U.S. policies. 

In 2022, the United States put sweeping curbs on sales of advanced semiconductor chips and tools to China over concerns the technology could advance Beijing’s military power.

But the move failed to halt China’s development of advanced chips and artificial intelligence, analysts have said.

Beijing punched back a year later by introducing export licenses for gallium and germanium, and some graphite products. Exports to the United States of the two critical minerals, along with germanium, were banned last December. 

In February China restricted exports of five more metals key to the defence and clean energy industries.

Analysts face a hard task in tracking the pace of China’s approvals following the Trump-Xi call.

“It’s virtually impossible to know what percentage of requests for non-military end users get approved because the data is not public and companies don’t want to publicly confirm either way,” said Cory Combs, a critical minerals analyst with Trivium, a policy consultancy focused on China.

Reporting by Laurie Chen in Beijing; additional reporting by Michael Martina in Washington and Victoria Waldersee in Berlin; editing by Kevin Krolicki and Clarence Fernandez

US, Chinese officials exchange barbs at Shanghai event over trade

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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US, Chinese officials exchange barbs at Shanghai event over trade

The interaction reflects the continued strained relationship between both countries

People attend the American Camber of Commerce Shanghai (AmCham Shanghai) annual gala in Shanghai, China June 6, 2025. REUTERS/Go Nakamura

International news via Reuters:

U.S. and Chinese officials traded barbs at a celebration held by a U.S. business chamber in Shanghai on Friday, as the chamber appealed to both countries to provide more certainty to American businesses operating in China. 

Scott Walker, consul general of U.S. consulate in Shanghai, told a gathering of U.S. businesses aimed at celebrating the 110th anniversary of the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) in Shanghai that the U.S.-China economic relationship had been unbalanced and non-reciprocal “for far too long.”

“We want an end to discriminatory actions and retaliation against U.S. companies in China,” he said. 

In a speech that directly followed Walker’s, Chen Jing, a Shanghai Communist Party official who is also the president of the Shanghai People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, countered Walker’s view. 

“I believe the consul general’s view is prejudiced, ungrounded and not aligning with the phone call of our heads of states last night,” he said. 

The interaction reflects the continued strained relationship between both countries as the trade war continues to simmer. 

U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping spoke over a long anticipated call on Thursday, confronting weeks of brewing trade tensions and a battle over critical minerals. Trump later said they agreed to further talks. 

It came in the middle of a dispute between Washington and Beijing in recent weeks over “rare earths” minerals that threatened to tear up a fragile truce in the trade war between the two biggest economies.

The countries struck a 90-day deal on May 12 to roll back some of the triple-digit, tit-for-tat tariffs they had placed on each other since Trump’s January inauguration but the deal has not addressed broader concerns that strain the relationship and Trump has accused China of violating the agreement. 

Eric Zheng, president of AmCham Shanghai which counts over 1,000 companies among its membership, told reporters on the sidelines of the event that many companies had put their decision-making on pause due to the uncertainty.

“People are looking for some more definitive, durable statements on both sides that enable businesses to feel more secure,” he said.

“Our number one ask from the two governments is to give us some certainty so that we can plan accordingly.”

Reporting by Casey Hall; Writing by Brenda Goh, Editing by William Maclean

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